Paramount has set the wide release date for Flight for November 2, 2012.

First reported last April, at the time Denzel Washington was said to be “loosely attached” to star in the action drama, to be directed by Robert Zemeckis – who was, at the time, in negotiations – from a screenplay written by John Gatins (who was once attached to direct).

Obviously Denzel and Zemeckis signed on, with shooting completed last fall.

The story centers on an alcoholic and drug-addicted pilot, on course towards a life-change who saves a flight from an engine malfunction, rescuing the plane and the passengers, and becoming a hero, only to find his non-public substance abuse problem, brought to light, thanks to an FAA investigation into the case.

Naturally, lots of drama ensues… Denzel saves a massive, fast-moving object (sound familiar), but this time, he’s an alcoholic. So he’s like Hancock without the super powers :)

This will be Robert Zemeckis’ first live-action film since 2000s Cast Away, with Tom Hanks. Since then, he’s been dabbling in animated programming with films like The Polar Express, Beowulf and A Christmas Carol, none of which really fared as expected domestically, relative to budget anyway.

By the way, Don Cheadle and Garcelle Beauvais amongst many others, co-star.

I’m actually surprised that, given how much we’ve written about this project, I don’t believe anyone has said anything about the fact that Denzel is playing an alcoholic, drug-addicted pilot. Y’all are giving him a pass? Really? No qualms about this being another *negative* portrayal of a black man on film? None? You folks are disappointing me.

And for those who are new here… I was being sarcastic in that last paragraph.